This is what people call the art of conversation.

Ann's words sounded like she was defending Caitlin, but in reality, every sentence was just another subtle jab.

[Oh my god, Victoria is just too kind. Freya treated you so horribly, and you're still trying to speak up for her.]

[Kind? Victoria, are you sure you're using the right adjective? Is Freya kind now?]

[I can't! I'm literally laughing out loud!]

[Victoria's honestly too sweet-she can even forgive someone like Freya!]

[I knew I picked the right person to stan. Another day, another reason to love Victoria.]

[I just don't get it. How can someone be so shameless? Not only does she pretend to be someone else, but she does it right out in the open!]

[.....]

"Well, look who finally decided to show up! If it isn't Miss Gonzales herself. Honestly, I thought you'd chicken out and not dare to come," Miranda sneered, stepping straight up to Caitlin.

She had zero tolerance for people who took what didn't belong to them.

Caitlin turned her head, her tone calm but clear. "Miss Lowell, until the results from the security footage are out, I'd advise you to watch what you say."

Her words, though soft-spoken, carried real weight.

"Oh, getting defensive, are we?" Miranda narrowed her eyes. "Miss Gonzales, if

you have nothing to hide, why are you so worked up?"

"Wouldn't you be upset if a dog bit you?" Caitlin arched an eyebrow.

Miranda's face went pale.

This country girl really had a sharp tongue-she'd just called Miranda a dog, plain as day and twice as cutting.

"Mabel, Freya, that's enough," Ann walked over, eager to play peacemaker.

"We're all friends here. We're bound to run into each other again, so let's not burn any bridges."

"Who's friends with these people?" Miranda scoffed. "Let's see how shameless some people feel once Mr. Quinten gets here. All the clever comebacks in the world can't make up for being a thief. If I wereber, I'd throw myself in the river after this party just to save face."

Caitlin nodded slightly. "You're right. Thieves deserve whatever's coming to them."

Miranda rolled her eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn't get stuck.

Disgusting. Utterly disgusting.

How could Caitlin say something like that with a straight face? She was the thief everyone was talking about, yet she acted as if nothing had happened.

If Caitlin was trying to make herself infamous, she was doing it all wrong.

Ann narrowed her eyes as well, a flicker of satisfaction passing through her gaze. She softened her tone, looking at Caitlin. "Freya, we're sisters. The only sisters we've got really dont want things to get so ugly between us. Look, before Mr. Quinten even arrives, why don't you come on my livestream and apologize? We can just put this behind us and I'll drop it."

Pel

Ann let out a sigh before continuing, "Freya, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to force you. It's just-there are so many people watching my stream and this whole situation has gotten out of hand. If you don't apologize, I'm afraid things won't settle down. And it's not really about me; it's for my fans. They've always supported me, and I owe them some kind of explanation."